A Welsh Ambulance Manager is tackling Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC)

In 2021, Darren Panniers, an Operations Manager in the Welsh Ambulance Service will be taking on the gruelling climb to the top of the highest point in Africa in a bid to raise £5,000 for the national charity dedicated to supporting the UK’s ambulance community.

19th February 2021 – On 22nd September 2021, Darren from Bargoed in South Wales, will begin his ten-day climb up Africa’s tallest mountain to help raise money for TASC. During his challenge, Darren will face a steep 6km climb to the summit through tropical rainforest and snow-capped peaks.

Darren, who has worked in UK ambulance services for over 20 years, said:

“I have seen first-hand the great work ambulance staff do to support patients in their time of need. Exposure to traumatic incidents take a toll on staff, and their mental wellbeing suffers which can result in them requiring specialist support in the form of counselling, or financial support, if they are off work for long periods due to stress. TASC is there to support staff and I would like to support TASC by taking on this challenge to raise vital funds.

I have always loved walking and climbing, and to climb one of the highest peaks in the world has always been on my bucket list. I have been training for the past 6 months to build stamina and fitness and feel excited about the prospect of another challenge in my life.”

Darren is raising funds through an online JustGiving page:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-panniers

Jasmin Rana, TASC’s Director of Income Generation and Supporter Engagement said:

“We’re so excited that Darren has chosen to fundraise for TASC! Demand for our services is growing year-on-year and we need the support of people like Darren to continue being an independent source of support for the UK’s ambulance community in their time of need.

The funds that Darren raises will make a big difference to the people we help and if he achieves his £5,000 target, we could provide an extra 83 support sessions for ambulance staff struggling with their mental health.”